U.S. patent application number 10/990407 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-30 for roll bar structure of vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Ebisugi, Takashi, Fujii, Yukari, Kimura, Takayuki, Masuda, Masataka, Miki, Kenjiro.
Application Number | 20050140129 10/990407 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34554860 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050140129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miki, Kenjiro ; et
al. |
June 30, 2005 |
Roll bar structure of vehicle
Abstract
The present invention relates to a roll bar structure of a
vehicle equipped with side panels and an open top, comprising a
crossbar having a closed section and extending in a vehicle width
direction between both of the side panels, roll bars having a
reverse-U shape and at least part thereof projecting above the
crossbar, and through holes formed at upper and lower portions of
the crossbar, wherein an one-side part of roll bar extending
substantially vertically penetrates the through holes, and the roll
bars are connected respectively with the upper and lower portions
of the crossbar which the roll bars penetrate. Accordingly, a
resistance of the roll bar structure against a vehicle rollover can
be increased by connecting firmly the roll bars with the
crossbar.
Inventors: |
Miki, Kenjiro; (Hiroshima,
JP) ; Kimura, Takayuki; (Hiroshima, JP) ;
Ebisugi, Takashi; (Hiroshima, JP) ; Fujii,
Yukari; (Hiroshima, JP) ; Masuda, Masataka;
(Hiroshima, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY, LLP
401 9TH STREET, NW
SUITE 900
WASHINGTON
DC
20004-2128
US
|
Assignee: |
MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
Aki-gun
JP
|
Family ID: |
34554860 |
Appl. No.: |
10/990407 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/756 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 25/087 20130101;
B60R 2021/132 20130101; B60R 21/13 20130101; B60R 22/18
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/756 |
International
Class: |
B60R 021/13 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 24, 2003 |
JP |
2003-427831 |
Dec 24, 2003 |
JP |
2003-427833 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A roll bar structure of a vehicle equipped with an open top and
a side panel forming a vehicle side face, comprising: a crossbar
having a closed section and extending in a vehicle width direction
between both of the side panels; a roll bar having a substantially
reverse-U shape and at least part thereof projecting above said
crossbar; and through holes being formed at upper and lower
portions of said crossbar, wherein an one-side part of said roll
bar extending substantially vertically penetrates said through
holes, and said roll bar is connected respectively with said upper
and lower portions of the crossbar which said roll bar
penetrates.
2. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 1, wherein said
crossbar includes a first crossbar member and a second crossbar
member which are disposed in front and in rear, and said through
holes are formed at either said first crossbar member or second
crossbar member.
3. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 2, wherein there
are provided recess portions to constitute opening portions at
respective upper and lower portions of said first and second
crossbar members, and an other-side part of said roll bar extending
substantially vertically penetrates said opening portions.
4. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 3, wherein there is
provided a spacer member at a portion of said roll bar which
penetrates said opening portion at said crossbar and is located
within said closed section of the crossbar, said spacer member
extends longitudinally, and both ends thereof contact a front
portion and a rear portion of said crossbar respectively.
5. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 4, wherein said
spacer member is formed of a cylindrical member, and there is
further provided a fastening member which penetrates said front and
rear portions of the crossbar and said spacer members, and fixes
said spacer member to said crossbar.
6. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 3, wherein either
one of said first and second crossbar members includes an upper
wall potion, a vertical wall portion and a lower wall portion, said
upper and lower wall portions extend forward or rearward from said
vertical wall portion, the other one of said first and second
crossbar members includes flange portions which extend in the same
direction as said upper and lower wall portions of either one of
crossbar members, and said upper and lower wall portions of either
one of crossbar members and said flange portions of the other one
of crossbar members are connected with each other.
7. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 6, wherein said the
other one of crossbar members includes an upper wall potion, a
vertical wall portion and a lower wall portion, said flange
portions are formed respectively at said upper and lower wall
portions of the other one of crossbar member, said recess portions
at said the other one of crossbar members are configured so as to
open in an opposite direction to said flange portions extending,
and there are further provided upper and lower notch portions
respectively at an upper end portion and a lower end portion of
said vertical wall portion of the other one of crossbar members
between said flange portions and said recess portions.
8. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 1, further
comprising: a link bracket being attached to the side panel to
rotatably support the open top; and a connecting member connecting
said roll bar with said link bracket, wherein said crossbar is
connected with said connecting member along with said roll bar.
9. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 8, wherein said
roll bar and said connecting member are connected via a fastening
member which penetrates them.
10. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 8, wherein said
crossbar is connected with said roll bar and said connecting member
via a fastening member which penetrates them.
11. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 9, wherein there
are provided a plurality of said fastening members which are
disposed separately in a substantially vertical direction of the
vehicle.
12. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 1, further
comprising: a vehicle-body reinforcement frame extending in the
vehicle width direction to interconnect respective lower portions
of the side panels; a first connecting member connecting said roll
bar and said crossbar with the side panel; and a second connecting
member connecting said roll bar with the side panel, the second
connecting member being located below said first connecting member
and above said vehicle-body reinforcement frame.
13. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 12, wherein the
vehicle further includes a storing potion to store the open top
which is disposed behind said roll bar, and a fuel tank which is
disposed behind said vehicle-body reinforcement frame and below
said storing portion.
14. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 12, wherein at the
side panel is provided a bolt to allow the open top to be placed
thereon temporarily during an assembly of the open top, and said
second connecting member is connected with the side panel via said
bolt.
15. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 12, wherein said
roll bar is connected with said vehicle-body reinforcement frame at
a lower end thereof.
16. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 1, further
comprising: a hole formed at a front side or a rear side of said
roll bar; a connecting member attached to a portion of said roll
bar which is near said hole; a connecting member extending in the
vehicle width direction to interconnect said side panel and said
connecting member on the roll bar, an outer end of the connecting
member being fixed to the side panel; a fastened member fixed to
said connecting member on the roll bar, at least part of the
fastened member being located in said hole of the roll bar; a hole
formed at an inner end of said connecting member extending in the
vehicle width direction, said fastened member And a fastening
member, which is engaged with the fastened member, penetrating the
hole, the hole having such a specified diameter that there exists a
clearance around said fastening member, wherein said inner end of
the connecting member extending in the vehicle width direction is
connected with said connecting member on the roll bar via said
fastened and fastening members.
17. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 16, wherein said
connecting member on the roll bar is attached to the roll bar in a
position over said hole of the roll bar, said connecting member on
the roll bar includes a flange portion which extends respectively
in a substantially perpendicular direction to an axial line of said
roll bar from both ends thereof toward said roll bar, and said
flange portion is fixed to said roll bar.
18. The roll bar structure of a vehicle of claim 16, wherein said
connecting member extending in the vehicle width direction has a
closed section.
19. A roll bar structure of a vehicle equipped with an open top and
a side panel forming a vehicle side face, comprising: a roll bar
projecting upward; a crossbar extending in a vehicle width
direction, said roll bar being connected with the crossbar; a link
bracket being attached to the side panel to rotatably support the
open top; and a connecting member connecting said roll bar with
said link bracket, wherein said crossbar is connected with said
connecting member along with said roll bar.
20. A roll bar structure of a vehicle equipped with an open top and
a side panel forming a vehicle side face, comprising: a roll bar
extending in a substantially vertical direction; a crossbar
extending in a vehicle width direction, said roll bar being
connected with the crossbar; a vehicle-body reinforcement frame
extending in the vehicle width direction to interconnect respective
lower portions of the side panels; a first connecting member
connecting said roll bar and said crossbar with the side panel; and
a second connecting member connecting said roll bar with the side
panel, the second connecting member being located below said first
connecting member and above said vehicle-body reinforcement
frame.
21. A roll bar structure of a vehicle equipped with an open top and
a side panel forming a vehicle side face, comprising: a roll bar
extending in a substantially vertical direction inside both of the
side panels; a crossbar extending in a vehicle width direction,
said roll bar being connected with the crossbar; a hole formed at a
front side or a rear side of said roll bar; a connecting member
attached to a portion of said roll bar which is near said hole; a
connecting member extending in the vehicle width direction to
interconnect said side panel and said connecting member on the roll
bar, an outer end of the connecting member being fixed to the side
panel; a fastened member fixed to said connecting member on the
roll bar, at least part of the fastened member being located in
said hole of the roll bar; and a hole formed at an inner end of
said connecting member extending in the vehicle width direction,
said fastened member and a fastening member, which is engaged with
the fastened member, penetrating the hole, the hole having such a
specified diameter that there exists a clearance around said
fastening member, wherein said inner end of the connecting member
extending in the vehicle width direction is connected with said
connecting member on the roll bar via said fastened and fastening
members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a roll bar structure of a
vehicle, and more specifically to a roll bar structure of a vehicle
equipped with an open top and a side panel forming a vehicle side
face.
[0002] In recent years, a so-called open car equipped with an open
top has had a roll bar which is provided over a vehicle body to
protect a driver's head during a vehicle rollover. It is known that
such a roll bar is connected with a reinforcement member extending
in a vehicle width direction in order to increase its resistance
against the vehicle rollover. For example, Japanese Patent
Laid-Open Publication No. 11-115662 discloses a roll bar structure
of a vehicle, in which both ends of a base portion extending in the
vehicle width direction are fixed respectively to side bodies of an
automotive vehicle, and both ends of a pair of reverse-U-shaped
members extending upward are fixed to this base portion by welding.
Also, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 11-321334 discloses
that the roll bar is attached to side panels of the vehicle via
open-top supporting brackets in order to increase an attaching
strength of the roll bar.
[0003] In the conventional roll bar structure of a vehicle,
however, since the member extending in the vehicle width direction
and the roll bar extending upward are abutted and welded there,
there is concern that a large load applied to the roll bar during
the vehicle rollover and the like may cause the welded connection
to be released and thus a resistance of the roll bar against the
vehicle rollover may not increase sufficiently. Also, the roll bar
is generally formed in a bent shape in order that an enough cabin
space or storing space of the open top is provided, and its
interference with any other equipments is avoided. Herein, it is
generally difficult to connect firmly such a bent-shaped roll bar
with a crossbar extending in the vehicle width direction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention has been devised in view of the
above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is
to provide a roll bar structure of a vehicle which can increase
properly its resistance against the vehicle rollover by connecting
firmly the roll bar with the crossbar.
[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a roll
bar structure of a vehicle equipped with an open top and a side
panel forming a vehicle side face, comprising a crossbar having a
closed section and extending in a vehicle width direction between
both of the side panels, a roll bar having a substantially
reverse-U shape and at least part thereof projecting above the
crossbar, and through holes being formed at upper and lower
portions of the crossbar, wherein an one-side part of the roll bar
extending substantially vertically penetrates the through holes,
and the roll bar is connected respectively with the upper and lower
portions of the crossbar which the roll bar penetrates.
[0006] In the present invention, the one-side part of the roll bar
extending substantially vertically penetrates the through holes at
the upper and lower crossbar portions and the roll bar is connected
respectively with the upper and lower crossbar portions which the
roll bar penetrates. Accordingly, even if a force is generated at
the connecting portion of the roll bar and crossbar which is
operative to separate the roll bar from the crossbar by a bending
moment applied to the roll bar during the vehicle rollover, this
force can be properly born by both of the upper and lower portions
of the crossbar. As a result, the resistance of the roll bar
structure of a vehicle against the vehicle rollover can be
improved. Also, since there is not necessarily need to provide any
additional members to fix the roll bar to the crossbar, the number
of parts can be reduced properly.
[0007] Also, according to a preferred embodiment, the crossbar
includes a first crossbar member and a second crossbar member which
are disposed in front and in rear, and the through holes are formed
at either the first crossbar member or second crossbar member.
[0008] Accordingly, since the through holes are formed at either
the first crossbar member or second crossbar member, the bending
moment against the roll bar is born by a single member. As a
result, the resistance of the roll bar structure of a vehicle
against the vehicle rollover can be improved effectively.
[0009] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, there are
provided recess portions to constitute opening portions at
respective upper and lower portions of the first and second
crossbar members, and an other-side part of the roll bar extending
substantially vertically penetrates the opening portions.
[0010] In this preferred embodiment, there are provided recess
portions to constitute opening portions at respective upper and
lower portions of the first and second crossbar members, and the
other-side part of the roll bar extending substantially vertically
penetrates the opening portions. Accordingly, the bending moment
against the roll bar can be born by both the upper portions and the
lower portions of the crossbar comprised of the first and second
crossbar members. Also, at respective upper and lower portions of
the first and second crossbar members are provided the respective
recess portions constituting opening portions for the other-side
part of the roll bar penetrating. Accordingly, the roll bar having
its lower bent portion can be provided properly so as to penetrate
the crossbar vertically, and the roll bar can be connected with the
crossbar firmly. Also, after the other-side part of roll bar is
disposed at the recess portions of the one of crossbar members, the
other one of crossbar members can be assembled. Accordingly, the
roll bar having its lower bent portion can be provided properly so
as to penetrate the crossbar vertically.
[0011] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, there is
provided a spacer member at a portion of the roll bar which
penetrates the opening portion at the crossbar and is located
within the closed section of the crossbar, the spacer member
extends longitudinally, and both ends thereof contact a front
portion and a rear portion of the crossbar respectively.
[0012] Accordingly, since there is provided the spacer member at
the roll bar which extends longitudinally and both ends of which
contact the front and rear portions of the crossbar respectively, a
longitudinal positioning of the roll bar and crossbar can be
attained surely. Also, since the bending moment against the roll
bar is born by the spacer member in addition to the upper and lower
portions of the crossbar, the resistance of the roll bar structure
against a force which the roll bar receives from a road surface can
be improved.
[0013] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the spacer
member is formed of a cylindrical member, and there is further
provided a fastening member which penetrates the front and rear
portions of the crossbar and the spacer member, and fixes the
spacer member to the crossbar.
[0014] Accordingly, since the fastening member fixes the spacer
member to the crossbar, penetrating the front and rear portions of
the crossbar and the spacer member, the roll bar and the crossbar
can be connected firmly. Further, even in case the fastening member
has been loosened or welding at the connection portions of the
upper and lower portions of the crossbar and the roll bars have
been weakened, both ends of the spacer member contact respectively
the front and rear portions of the crossbar, and therefore the
crossbar can bear the force from the road surface properly along
with the crossbar. As a result, the resistance of the roll bar
structure against the vehicle rollover can be ensured
effectively.
[0015] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, either one
of the first and second crossbar members includes an upper wall
potion, a vertical wall portion and a lower wall portion, the upper
and lower wall portions extend forward or rearward from the
vertical wall portion, the other one of the first and second
crossbar members includes flange portions which extend in the same
direction as the upper and lower wall portions of either one of
crossbar members, and the upper and lower wall portions of either
one of crossbar members and the flange portions of the other one of
crossbar members are connected with each other.
[0016] Accordingly, since the upper and lower wall portions of
either one of crossbar members and the flange portions of the other
one of crossbar members which extend in the same direction as these
upper and lower wall portions are connected with each other, the
connecting face is located on the same face as the upper and lower
faces of the crossbar. Thus, connecting of the crossbar members
against a shearing force which is applied to the crossbar caused by
the longitudinal bending moment to the roll bar can be remained
sufficiently firm. As a result, the strength of the crossbar
against the longitudinal bending moment applied to the roll bars
can be increased. Also, welding works applied to the flange
portions can be done easily by a welding tool being inserted from
the front or the rear, and thus the productivity can be improved as
well.
[0017] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the other
one of crossbar members includes an upper wall potion, a vertical
wall portion and a lower wall portion, the flange portions are
formed respectively at the upper and lower wall portions of the
other one of crossbar member, the recess portions at the other one
of crossbar members are configured so as to open in an opposite
direction to the flange portions extending, and there are further
provided upper and lower notch portions respectively at an upper
end portion and a lower end portion of the vertical wall portion of
the other one of crossbar members between the flange portions and
the recess portions.
[0018] In this preferred embodiment, there are provided the upper
and lower notch portions respectively at the upper and lower end
portions of the vertical wall portion and these notch portions are
located between the flange portions and the recess portions.
Accordingly, since there exists a space between the recess portions
and the flange portions of the crossbar members, bending works of
these portions in opposite directions to each other can be done
smoothly without any interferences of bending tools. Also, the
vertical wall portion between the recess portions and the flange
portions of the crossbar members can be properly prevented from
deforming improperly under the influence of the bending works of
these portions.
[0019] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the roll
bar structure further comprises a link bracket attached to the side
panel to rotatably support the open top, and a connecting member
connecting the roll bar with the link bracket, wherein the crossbar
is connected with the connecting member along with the roll
bar.
[0020] Accordingly, since the connecting member connects the roll
bar with the link bracket and the crossbar is connected with the
connecting member along with the roll bar, the force from the road
surface which the roll bar receives during the vehicle rollover is
conveyed separately to the side panel and the crossbar. Also, an
impact load which the side panel receives from the vehicle side
during a vehicle side-impact or the like is conveyed separately to
the roll bar and the crossbar. As a result, the resistance of the
roll bar structure against the force from the roll bars and the
side impact load can be improved. Further, both the roll bar and
crossbar bear properly a force which will let the link bracket fall
down inwardly, which is caused by the weight of a folding top
supported by the link bracket or a retractable hard top.
Accordingly, the link bracket can be prevented properly from
falling down inwardly.
[0021] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the roll
bar and the connecting member are connected via a fastening member
which penetrates them.
[0022] Since the roll bar and the connecting member are connected
via the fastening member penetrating them, an integral rigidity of
these members are increased, thereby improving their
load-conveyance function.
[0023] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the
crossbar is connected with the roll bar and the connecting member
via a fastening member which penetrates them.
[0024] Accordingly, since the crossbar is connected with the roll
bar and the connecting member via the fastening member penetrating
them, an integral rigidity of these members are increased, thereby
improving their load-conveyance function.
[0025] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, there are
provided a plurality of the fastening members which are disposed
separately in a substantially vertical direction of the
vehicle.
[0026] Accordingly, since the plural fastening members are disposed
separately in the vertical direction, the load-conveyance function
of these members can be further improved surely. Particularly, the
force letting the link bracket fall dawn inwardly due to the weight
of the folding top or retractable hard top during the opening and
closing of them can be conveyed separately to the roll bar and the
crossbar surely.
[0027] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the roll
bar structure further comprises a vehicle-body reinforcement frame
extending in the vehicle width direction to interconnect respective
lower portions of the side panels, a first connecting member
connecting the roll bar and the crossbar with the side panel, and a
second connecting member connecting the roll bar with the side
panel, the second connecting member being located below the first
connecting member and above the vehicle-body reinforcement
frame.
[0028] Accordingly, since the first connecting member connects the
roll bar and crossbar with the side panel and the second connecting
member connects the roll bar with the side panel, the side impact
load acting on the side panel can be conveyed separately to the
roll bar and crossbar via these two connecting members. Also, since
the second connecting member connects the roll bar with the side
panel below the first connecting member and above the vehicle-body
reinforcement frame, the side impact load acting on the side panel
above the vehicle-body reinforcement frame can be born by the roll
bar via the second connecting member, and then the load convened to
the roll bar can be born by the crossbar as well. As a result,
passenger's head, shoulders and the other can be protected properly
during the vehicle side impact and the like.
[0029] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the vehicle
further includes a storing potion to store the open top which is
disposed behind the roll bar, and a fuel tank which is disposed
behind the vehicle-body reinforcement frame and below the storing
portion.
[0030] Accordingly, even if the vehicle-body reinforcement member
has a relatively small area of its closed section to provide the
enough disposition space for the folding-top storing portion and
the fuel tank, since the side impact load is conveyed separately to
the roll bar and crossbar via the first and second connecting
members, the passenger can be further protected properly.
[0031] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, at the side
panel is provided a bolt to allow the open top temporarily to be
placed thereon during an assembly of the open top, and the second
connecting member is connected with the side panel via said
bolt.
[0032] Accordingly, since the second connecting member is connected
with the side panel via the bolt, there is not necessarily need to
provide any additional members to fix the second connecting member
to the side panel, the number of parts can be reduced properly.
[0033] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the roll
bar is connected with the vehicle-body reinforcement frame at a
lower end thereof.
[0034] Accordingly, the side impact force applied to the
vehicle-body reinforcement frame is conveyed to the roll bar, and
then the force conveyed to the roll bar is conveyed to the
vehicle-body reinforcement frame.
[0035] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the roll
bar structure further comprises a hole formed at a front side or a
rear side of the roll bar, a connecting member attached to a
portion of the roll bar which is near said hole, a connecting
member extending in the vehicle width direction to interconnect the
side panel and the connecting member on the roll bar, an outer end
of the connecting member being fixed to the side panel, a fastened
member fixed to the connecting member on the roll bar, at least
part of the fastened member being located in the hole of the roll
bar, a hole formed at an inner end of the connecting member
extending in the vehicle width direction, the fastened member and a
fastening member, which is engaged with the fastened member,
penetrating the hole, the hole having such a specified diameter
that there exists a clearance around the fastening member, wherein
the inner end of the connecting member extending in the vehicle
width direction is connected with the connecting member on the roll
bar via the fastened and fastening members.
[0036] In this preferred embodiment, there is provided the hole
formed at the inner end of the connecting member extending in the
vehicle width direction to interconnect the side panel and the
connecting member on the roll bar, through which the fastened
member and the fastening member penetrate and which has the
above-described specified diameter. Accordingly, even if there
exists an error in a relative distance between the side panel and
the roll bar in the vehicle width direction due to attaching errors
during an assembly of the roll bar to the vehicle body, such an
error in the relative distance can be properly absorbed by an
existence of the above-described clearance. Thus, the connecting
members extending in the vehicle width direction to interconnect
the side panel and the roll bar can be properly provided. Also,
part of the fastened member fixed to the connecting member on the
roll bar is located in the hole of the roll bar. Accordingly, when
the side impact load is applied to the connecting member extending
in the vehicle width direction, the fastened member hits an edge of
the hole of the roll bar and the side impact load can be properly
conveyed to the roll bar via the connecting member extending in the
vehicle width direction thereby.
[0037] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the
connecting member on the roll bar is attached to the roll bar in a
position over the hole of the roll bar, the connecting member on
the roll bar includes a flange portion which extends respectively
in a substantially perpendicular direction to an axial line of the
roll bar from both ends thereof toward the roll bar, and the flange
portion is fixed to said roll bar.
[0038] Accordingly, since the connecting member on the roll bar is
fixed to the roll bar over the hole, a decrease of an
axial-direction rigidity of the roll bar due to forming of the hole
can be restrained properly. Herein, the flange portion of the
connecting member on the roll bar extends substantially
perpendicularly to the axial line of the roll bar, and only the
flange portion is fixed to the roll bar. Accordingly, the
connecting member on the roll bar is fixed to the roll bar having a
relatively low rigidity against the side impact load conveyed from
the connecting member extending in the vehicle width direction.
However, even if a relatively large side impact load is applied and
then the fixing of the connecting member to the roll bar is
released, the fastened member fixed to the connecting member on the
roll bar hit the edge of hole of the roll bar surely. As a result,
the side impact load from the connecting member extending in the
vehicle width direction can be conveyed to the roll bar
properly.
[0039] Also, according to another preferred embodiment, the
connecting member extending in the vehicle width direction has a
closed section.
[0040] Accordingly, the rigidity of the connecting member extending
in the vehicle width direction can improve, and the side impact
load can be conveyed to the roll bar surely.
[0041] Other features, aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description which
refers to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a rear portion of
a vehicle equipped with a roll bar structure of the vehicle
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a side view, when viewed from left, of the rear
potion of the vehicle equipped with the roll bar structure of the
vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a major-part enlarged perspective view
illustrating the roll bar and crossbar of the roll bar structure
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a major-part enlarged elevation view illustrating
the roll bar and crossbar of the roll bar structure according to
the embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG.
3.
[0047] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating two
members constituting the crossbar of the roll bar structure
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating schematically an
attaching method of respective crossbar members and the roll bar of
the roll bar structure according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a major-part enlarged perspective view
illustrating a connecting portion of the roll bar and crossbar with
the side panel of the roll bar structure according to the
embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG.
8.
[0051] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG.
8.
[0052] FIG. 11 is a major-part enlarged perspective view
illustrating a belt anchor attaching member and a belt anchor of
the roll bar structure according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0053] FIG. 12 is a major-part enlarged perspective view
illustrating the belt anchor attaching member of the roll bar
structure according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 13 is a major-part enlarged perspective view
illustrating a connecting portion of the roll and the side panel of
the roll bar structure according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0055] FIG. 14 is a major-part enlarged perspective view
illustrating a connecting member of the roll bar and the lower
connecting member of the roll bar structure according to the
embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG;
13.
[0057] FIG. 16 is a major-part enlarged perspective view
illustrating a connecting portion of a roll bar and a side panel of
a roll bar structure according to a modified embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0058] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. It should
be understood that even though embodiments are separately
described, single features thereof may be combined to additional
embodiments.
[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a rear portion of
a vehicle equipped with a roll bar structure of the vehicle
according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a
side view, when viewed from left, of the rear potion of the vehicle
equipped with the roll bar structure of the vehicle according to
the embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] A vehicle 1 comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a floor
panel 2 which constitutes a cabin floor, a floor tunnel 4 which
projects upward from the floor panel 2 and extends longitudinally,
a kickup panel 6 which extends slat, i.e., upward and rearward, at
a rear end portion of the floor panel 2 and the floor tunnel 4, a
rear floor panel 8 which extends rearward from an upper end portion
of the kickup panel 6 to constitute a luggage floor, a rear panel
10 which extends vertically at a rear end portion of the rear floor
panel 8, and a pair of side panels 12 which extend vertically to
constitute both-side faces of the vehicle.
[0061] The vehicle 1 further comprises a pair of side sills 14
which extend longitudinally at right-and-left both ends of the
floor panel 2, a backbone frame 16 which extends longitudinally on
the floor tunnel 4, and a cross member 8 having a rectangular
structure with a closed section which is connected to a rear end
potion of the backbone frame 16 and extends in a vehicle width
direction between the both-side side panels 12, which are
respectively as vehicle-body reinforcement frames.
[0062] On the floor panel 2 are provided a front seat bracket 20
and a rear seat bracket 22, which extend respectively in the
vehicle width direction at the both sides of the floor tunnel 4. A
seat 24 (only left-side seat is illustrated) is attached to these
brackets 20 and 22. A pair of link brackets 30 are fixed to the
pair of side panels 12 to rotatably support a folding top 28 or a
retractable hardtop (not illustrated) as a open top
respectively.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a main link 32 and a sub link 34
to open and close the folding top 28 are supported rotatably at the
link brackets 30. The folding top 28 and the respective links 32
and 34 are illustrated in FIG. 2 to be stored in a folding-top
storing portion 36. A fuel tank 38 is disposed below the
folding-top storing portion 36 and behind the kickup panel 6 and
the cross member 18. Herein, the cross member 18 has the
rectangular structure with the closed section which has a
relatively narrow width and a relatively small area, in order to
provide an enough disposition space for the folding-top storing
portion 36 and the fuel tank 38.
[0064] The vehicle 1 further comprises a roll bar device 40 behind
the seat 24 as illustrated FIGS. 1 and 2. The roll bar device 40
comprises a pair of roll bars 42 which extend vertically, a
crossbar 44 which extends in the vehicle width direction between
the pair of side panels 12, upper connecting members 46 which
connect the roll bars 42 and crossbar 44 with the link bracket 30,
lower connecting members 48 which connect the roll bar 42 with the
side panels 12, and belt anchor attaching members 50 which are
fixed to the roll bars 42 and the crossbar 44 so as to be laid
across them.
[0065] Next, a specific structure of the roll bar device 40 will be
described referring to FIGS. 1 through 4. FIG. 3 is a major-part
enlarged perspective view illustrating the roll bar and crossbar of
the roll bar structure according to the embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 4 is a major-part enlarged elevation view
illustrating the roll bar and crossbar of the roll bar structure
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] First, the roll bar 42, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is
formed of a single pipe to be of a U shape, and it is provided at
the crossbar 44 in such a manner that it extends vertically in a
reverse-U shape and its part projects above the crossbar 4. The
roll bar 42 comprises an upper part 42a which is greatly curved in
the reverse-U shape, and an outside part 42b and an inside part 42c
which respectively extend vertically at both sides of the upper
part 42a.
[0067] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, each outside part 42b
of the roll bar 42 penetrates the crossbar 44 and extends slant,
i.e., downward and forward, below the crossbar 44, and its lower
end is fixed to the cross member 18 via a substantially triangular
flange 52 by three bolts 54. The inside part 42c also, as
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, penetrates the cross member 44 so
that its lower end does not project so much below a lower wall
portion of the cross member 44. This disposition of the cross
member 44 having the outside part 42b extending downward and
forward below the crossbar 44 and the inside part 42c not
projecting so much below the cross member 44 ensures an enough
space for the luggage and the folding-top storing portion 36.
[0068] Next, a specific structure of the crossbar of the roll bar
structure will be described referring to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. FIG. 5
is a sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is
an exploded perspective view, when viewed in the same direction as
FIG. 1, illustrating two members constituting the crossbar of the
roll bar structure according to the embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the crossbar 44
comprises a front crossbar member 56 which is located forward and a
rear crossbar member 58 which is located rearward, which form the
rectangular closed-section structure.
[0069] The front crossbar member 56 comprises an upper wall portion
56a, a lower wall portion 56b and a vertical wall portion 56c
connecting the upper and lower wall portions. At both ends of the
front crossbar member 56, a pair of recess portions 66 which open
rearward are formed on the upper and lower wall portions 56a and
56b. At the vertical wall portion 56c are formed two bolt holes 68
in the same position as the recess portion 66 in the vehicle width
direction.
[0070] Also, there are provided a pair of through holes 79 on the
upper and lower wall portions 56a and 56b of the front crossbar
member 56, which is located inside the recess portions 66. The
above-described inside parts 42c of the roll bars 42 penetrate
these through holes 70 vertically. Further, the upper and lower
wall portions 56a and 56b of the front crossbar member 56 include
flange portions 72 at their rear ends. These flange portions 72
have difference in level with respect to faces of the portions with
the through holes 70 and recess portions 66 in such a manner that
the upper wall portion 56a steps up, while the lower wall portion
56b steps down.
[0071] Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the rear crossbar
member 58 comprises an upper wall portion 58a, a lower wall portion
58b and a vertical wall portion 58c connecting the upper and lower
wall portions. The upper and lower wall portions 58a and 58b of the
rear crossbar member 58 include respectively roll bar support
portions 80 which extend forward at their both ends, and flange
portions 82 which extend rearward between the roll bar support
portions 80. The roll bar support portions 80 and the flange
portions 82 are disposed so as to be away from each other in the
vehicle width direction via notch portions 88 which will be
described later.
[0072] At the roll bar support portions 80 of the rear crossbar
member 58 are provided a pair of recess portions 84 which open
toward the front crossbar member 56. The recess portions 84
constitute opening portions 86 together with the pair of the recess
portions 66 of the front crossbar member 56, and the
above-described outside parts 42b extend vertically through the
opening portions 86 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Also, as illustrated
in FIGS. 3 and 5, the flange portions 82 of the rear crossbar
member 58 are lapped over the flange portions 72 of the front
crossbar member 56.
[0073] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 6, there are notch portions 88
which respectively open upwardly and downwardly in a R shape
between the roll bar support portions 80 at the vertical wall
portion 58c and the flange portions 82 of the rear crossbar member
58. These notch portions 88 are located in offset positions from
each other in the vehicle width direction in such a manner that the
roll bar support portions 80 at the upper wall portion 58a are
shorter than those at the lower wall portion 58b in the vehicle
with direction, while the flange portion 82 at the upper wall
portion 58a is longer than that at the lower wall portion 58b in
the vehicle with direction. Also, near the notch portions 88 at the
vertical wall portion 58c, two beads 90 are provided so as to
extend in the vehicle width direction sufficiently longer than the
width of notch portions 88. Further, at both ends of the vertical
wall portion 58c are provided two bolt holes 92 in the same
positions in the vehicle width direction as the recess portions 84
formed at the upper and lower wall portions 58a and 58b.
[0074] Next, an attaching method of the front and rear crossbar
members 56 and 58 and the roll bar 42 will be described referring
to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating schematically
an attaching method of respective crossbar members and the roll bar
of the roll bar structure according to the embodiment of the
present invention. First, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the inside part
42c of the roll bar 42 is inserted, as illustrated an arrow A, into
the through holes 70 of the front crossbar member 56 from the
above. Herein, the outside part 42b of the roll bar 42 is
positioned so as to face the recess portions 66 of the front
crossbar member 56.
[0075] Then, the roll bar 42 is rotated around the inside part 42c
penetrating the through holes 70 as illustrated by an arrow B until
the outside part 42b contacts the recess portions 66 of the front
crossbar 56. Herein, a vertical position of the roll bar 42 may be
adjusted so that tips of spacer members 94 provided at the outside
part 42b, which will be described below, can correspond to the bolt
holes 68 at the vertical wall portion 56c of the front crossbar
member 56.
[0076] Subsequently, the rear crossbar member 58 is assembled
facing the opening portion 56d of the front crossbar member 56 as
illustrated by an arrow C. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 3
and 5, the respective flange portions 72 and 82 of these crossbar
members 56 and 58 are lapped over each other and the outside part
42b is placed in the opening portions 86 formed by the recess
portions 66 and 84 of these crossbar members 56 and 58. Herein, the
longitudinal position of the rear crossbar member 58 may be
adjusted properly via a difference-in-level 72a at the flange
portions 72 of the front crossbar member 56 as illustrated in FIG.
5.
[0077] Next, the connecting structure of the front and rear
crossbar members 56 and 58 will be described referring to FIGS. 3
and 5. The assembled front and rear crossbar members 56 and 58 are
fixed firmly to each other, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, by
spot-welding the respective flange portions 72 and 82, and the
respective both end portions of upper and lower wall portions 56a
and 56b of the front crossbar member 56 and the corresponding both
end portions of upper and lower wall portions 58a and 58b of the
front crossbar member 58 (the roll bar support portions 80) at
plural points denoted by D in FIG. 3.
[0078] Next, the connecting structure of the crossbar 44 and roll
bar 42 will be described referring to FIGS. 4, 8 through 10. FIG. 8
is a major-part enlarged perspective view illustrating a connecting
portion of the roll bar and crossbar with the side panel of the
roll bar structure according to the embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of
FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line V-V of
FIG. 8. First, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the inside part 42c of the
roll bar 42 and the upper and lower wall portions 56a and 56b of
the front crossbar member 56 are welded together along their
peripheral portions of the through holes 70 as illustrated by
reference characters E. Also, the outside part 42b of the roll bar
42 and the upper wall portions 56a and 58a and the lower wall
portions 56b and 58b of the front and rear crossbar members are
respectively welded together along their peripheral portions of the
opening portions 86 formed by the recess portions 66 and 84 of the
crossbar members 56 and 58 as illustrated by reference characters
F. Accordingly, the roll bar 42 and the crossbar 44 are fixed
firmly to each other.
[0079] Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10, the outside
part 42b of the roll bar 42 and the crossbar 44 are connected via
fastening members 96 and 98. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, two
spacer members 94 which are disposed vertically and extend
longitudinally are inserted tightly into respective holes formed at
front and rear portions of the outside part 42b of the roll bar 42
and then they are welded together firmly (see FIG. 7). The spacer
members 94 extend longitudinally within the closed section of the
crossbar 44, and their both ends contact respectively the front
wall portion of the crossbar 44 (the vertical wall portion 56c of
the front crossbar member) and the rear wall portion of the
crossbar 44 (the vertical wall portion 58c of the rear crossbar
member).
[0080] Further, the spacer members 94 are fixed firmly to the
crossbar 44 via the connecting members, i.e., bolts and nuts 96 and
98. More specifically, each of the bolt 96 is inserted, from the
vehicle outside, through an one-end portion 46a of the upper
connecting member 46 which will be described later, a fixing
portion 112a of the belt anchor attaching member 50 which will be
described later, the vertical wall portion 56c of the front
crossbar member, the spacer member 94, the vertical wall portion
58c of the rear crossbar member, and one end of the link bracket
30, and eventually fixed by the nut 98.
[0081] Next, the connecting structure of the roll bar and crossbar
and the link bracket will be described referring to FIGS. 8 through
10. The link bracket 30 comprises, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and
10, mainly three members which are welded each other, i.e., a
member 30a which is fixed to an inside face of the side panel 12 by
welding, a member 30b which is located rearward and extends to the
outside part 42b of the roll bar 42, and a member 30c which is
located frontward. A pair of axis members (only an axis member 30d
for the sub link is illustrated) to rotatably support the main link
23 and sub link 34 (see FIG. 2) are fixed to these members 30a, 30b
and 30c. The link bracket 30 is connected with the roll bar 42 and
crossbar 44 via the upper connecting member 46 at the vehicle front
side, and via the member 30b being directly connected with the
fastening members 96 and 98 at the vehicle rear side.
[0082] The upper connecting member 46 is formed of a plate which is
slightly bent, and its one end portion 46a is connected with the
roll bar 42 and crossbar 44, and its other end portion 46b is
connected with the link bracket 30. The upper connecting member 46
has beads 46c which are formed thereon to extend laterally, and its
rigidity is strengthened thereby. The one end portion 46a of the
upper connecting member is connected with the roll bar 42 and
crossbar 44 via the above-described fastening members 96 and 98.
Meanwhile, the other end portion 46b is connected with the member
30c of the link bracket via the bolt 100 and nut 102 (see FIG.
8).
[0083] Next, the belt anchor attaching member 50 will be described
referring to FIGS. 8 through 12. FIG. 11 is a major-part enlarged
perspective view illustrating a belt anchor attaching member and a
belt anchor of the roll bar structure according to the embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a major-part enlarged
perspective view illustrating the belt anchor attaching member of
the roll bar structure according to the embodiment of the present
invention. First, the belt anchor attaching member 50 is fixed to
the roll bar 42 and crossbar 44 as illustrated in FIG. 8, and then
a belt anchor 106 to support a seat belt 104 is fixed to the belt
anchor attaching member 50 as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0084] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the belt anchor attaching
member 50 is formed of a steel plate which is bent, which comprises
an upper face portion 110 on which the belt anchor 106 is attached,
a front face portion 112 which is bent rearward from the upper face
portion 110 and extends downward, a rear face portion 114 which is
bent rearward from the upper face portion 110 and extends downward,
and first, second and third side face portions 116a, 116b and 116c
which are respectively bent sideward from the upper face portion
110, front face portion 112 and rear face portion 114 and lapped
over each other. These first, second and third side face portions
116a, 116b and 116c are welded to each other, which increases the
rigidity of the belt anchor attaching member 50. At the upper face
portion 110 is formed an attaching hole 118 to attach the belt
anchor 106.
[0085] The belt anchor attaching member 50 has below its front face
portion 112 the lower fixing portion 112a (the first fixing
portion) which extends in parallel to the front wall portion 56c of
the crossbar 44. At the lower fixing portion 112a is formed blot
holes 119 which are located in positions corresponding to the
above-described bolt holes 68 of the front crossbar member 56.
Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10, the lower fixing
portion 112 of the belt anchor attaching member 50 is disposed so
as to be interposed between the one end portion 46a of the upper
connecting member 46 and the vertical wall portion 56c of the front
crossbar member 56. Thus, as described above, the roll bar 42 and
the crossbar 44 are connected via the fastening members 96 and 98,
and the belt anchor attaching member 50 is connected with the roll
bar 42 and crossbar 44 via the lower fixing portion 112a.
[0086] The belt anchor attaching member 50, as illustrated in FIG.
12, has above its front face portion 112 a first upper fixing
portion 112b (the second fixing portion) which extends along the
front side face of the roll bar 42b. It has further at its upper
face portion 110 a second upper fixing portion 110a (the second
fixing portion) which extends along the periphery of the roll bar
42b. These first and second upper face portions 112b and 110a are
welded to the roll bar 42b.
[0087] Next, the connecting structure of the roll bar 42 and the
side panel 12 via the lower connecting member 48 will be described
referring to FIGS. 13 through 15. FIG. 13 is a major-part enlarged
perspective view illustrating a connecting portion of the roll and
the side panel of the roll bar structure according to the
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a major-part
enlarged perspective view illustrating a connecting member of the
roll bar and the lower connecting member of the roll bar structure
according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a
sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 13.
[0088] First, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the lower connecting
member 48, which extends in the vehicle width direction below the
upper connecting member 46 between the roll bar 42 and the side
panel 12, interconnects the roll bar 42 and the side panel 12. The
lower connecting member 48 is made of a single pipe, and its both
ends are formed by pressing them in a flat shape. One end portion
48a of the lower connecting member 48 is connected with the roll
bar 42 via a connecting member 120 which is fixed to the roll bar
42, which will be described below, while the other end portion 48b
is bent so as to extend in parallel to the side panel 12 and
connected with the side panel 12 via a laterally-extending bolt
122.
[0089] Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, a circular hole 128
is formed at a front side of the outside part 42b of the roll bar
42, and the connecting member 120 is attached to a portion near and
over the hole 128. The connecting portion 120 is formed in a U
shape, which comprises an attaching portion 124 to which the one
end portion 48a of the lower connecting member 48 is attached, and
four flange portions 126 which extend respectively from ends of the
attaching portion 124 toward the roll bar 42. These attaching
portion 124 and flange portions 126 cover the front side of the
roll bar 42. The four flange portions 126 extend substantially
perpendicularly to an axial line of the part of roll bar which is
covered by the connecting member 120, and their end portions 126a
are formed so as to be along the periphery of the roll bar 42b and
welded to the roll bar 42b respectively. Accordingly, the
connecting member 120 is fixed to the roll bar 42.
[0090] Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the attaching
portion 124 of the connecting member 120 is formed in a flat shape,
which extends in parallel to the axial line of the roll bar covered
by the connecting member 120 in the vehicle width direction. A hole
130 is formed at the center of the attaching portion 124 so as to
correspond to the above-described hole 128 of the roll bar, and a
nut 134 (weld nut) is welded to the back face of the hole 130.
Herein, part of the weld nut 134 is located in this hole 128.
[0091] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the one end portion 48a
formed in the flat shape of the lower connecting member 48 is
lapped over the attaching portion 124 of the connecting member 120,
and a hole 140 is formed At this one end portion 48a so as to
correspond to the hole 130 and weld nut 134 at the connecting
member. The hole 140 has such a specified diameter that there
exists a clearance around the a shaft 132a of the bolt 132. The
bolt 132 gets through the hole 140 of the one end portion 48a and
the hole 130 of the connecting member 120 longitudinally, and the
lower connecting member 48, connecting member 120 and roll bar 42
are connected with each other via the bolt 132 and the weld nut 134
fixed to the connecting member 120.
[0092] Herein, the front crossbar member 56 may be located rearward
and the rear crossbar member 58 may be located forwardly instead in
the present embodiment. Also, the inside part 42c of the roll bar
42 may be configured such that it extends to the cross member 18
below and its lower end is fixed to the cross member 18. Further,
the lower end of the outside part 42b of the roll bar 42 may be
configured not so as to project so much below from the crossbar 44.
The lower end of the roll bar 42 may be configured so as to extend
to the floor panel 2 and is connected with the floor panel 2 or any
vehicle rigidity members.
[0093] Also, the connecting member 120 of the lower connecting
member 48 and roll bar 42 may be located rearward, at a rear side
of the roll bar may be provided a hole in which the weld nut 134 at
the connecting member 120 is located, and then the roll bar 42 and
the side panel may be connected with each other as described above.
Further, as a modified example illustrated in FIG. 16, there may be
provided the lower connecting member 148 which is formed in a plate
shape. Herein, at the side panel 12 may be provided bolts 142 to
temporarily allow the link bracket 30 to be placed thereon for its
positioning during a vehicle manufacturing, and the lower end 148b
of the lower connecting member is fixed to the side panel 12 via
the bolts 142 and nuts 144.
[0094] Next, the function of the present embodiment will be
described. The inside parts 42c of the roll bars 42 penetrate the
crossbar 44 vertically in the through holes 70 formed at the upper
and lower wall portions 56a and 56b of the crossbar 44, and are
welded along the periphery of the through holes 70 to be connected
with the upper and lower wall portions 56a and 56b. Herein, when
the vehicle is rolled over, the upper part 42a of the roll bar may
receive the longitudinal force from the road surface, thereby
generating the bending moment denoted by an arrow F.sub.M in FIG.
11 against the roll bar. This bending moment may generate the force
at the connecting portion of the roll bar 42 and crossbar 44 which
is operative to separate the roll bar 42 from the crossbar 44.
However, this force can be properly born by both of the
above-described upper and lower wall portions 56a and 56b which are
disposed separately in the vertical direction.
[0095] Particularly, the through holes 70 for the roll bar are
formed only at either one of members constituting the cross member
44, i.e., the front cross member 56, and thus the above-described
bending moment against the roll bar 42 is born by the single
member. As a result, the resistance of the roll bar structure 40
against the vehicle rollover can be improved. Also, since there is
not necessarily need to provide any additional members to fix the
roll bar 42 to the crossbar 44, the number of parts can be reduced
properly.
[0096] Further, the outside parts 42b of the roll bars 42 penetrate
the crossbar 44 vertically through the upper and lower opening
portions 86 formed by the recess portions 66 and 84 at the
respective crossbar members 56 and 58. Accordingly, the
above-described bending moment against the roll bar 42 can be born
by both the upper wall portions 56a and 58a and the lower wall
portions 56b and 58b of the crossbar 44 which are disposed
separately in the vertical direction respectively. Also, since the
outside parts 42b of the roll bars 42 are located at the recess
portions 66 and 84 of the crossbar members 56 and 58 which face
each other, the roll bars 42 and the crossbar 44 can be firmly
connected with each other even if the roll bars 42 have their
respective bent extending portions below.
[0097] Further, after the outside parts 42b of the roll bars 42 are
disposed at the respective recess portions 66 of the crossbar
member 56, the other crossbar member 58 is assembled. Accordingly,
the roll bars 42 having their respective bent extending portions
below can be disposed properly so as to penetrate the crossbar 44
respectively. Since the crossbar 44 is composed of the front and
rear crossbar members 56 and 58 formed separately and the roll bars
42 are assembled as described above, the roll bars 42 and the
crossbar 44 can be assembled easily even if the roll bars 42 have
their lower extending portions bent forward.
[0098] Next, the spacer members 94 fixed to the roll bars 42 extend
longitudinally within the closed section of the crossbar 44, and
their both ends contact respectively the front wall portion 56c and
the vertical wall portion 58c of the crossbar. Accordingly, the
longitudinal positioning of the roll bars 42 and crossbar 44 can be
attained surely. Also, since the above-described bending moment
against the roll bars 42 is born by the spacer members 94 in
addition to the upper and lower portions 56a, 58a, 56b and 58b of
the crossbar, the resistance of the roll bar structure 40 against
the force which the roll bars 42 receive from the road surface can
be improved.
[0099] Also, since the roll bar 42, the spacer members 94 formed of
the cylindrical member, and the crossbar 44 are fixed together by
the fastening members 96 and 98 which penetrate the spacer members
94 and the front and rear wall portions 56c and 58c of the
crossbar, the roll bars 42 and the crossbar 44 can be connected
more surely. Further, even in case the fastening members 96 and 98
have been loosened or welding at the connection portions (E and F
in FIG. 4) of the roll bars 42 and crossbar 44 have been weakened,
both ends of the spacer members 94 contact respectively the front
wall portion 56c and the vertical wall portion 58c of the crossbar,
and therefore the crossbar 44 can bear the above-described force
from the road surface properly. As a result, the resistance of the
roll bar structure 40 against the vehicle rollover can be ensured
effectively. Further, since the plural spacer members 94 are
disposed separately in the vertical direction, the above-described
resistance of the roll bar structure 40 can be further
improved.
[0100] Next, since the rear crossbar member 58 is provided so as to
face the opening portion 56d with the U-shaped opening of the front
crossbar member 56 and the respective flange portions 72 and 82 of
the respective crossbar members 56 and 58, which are lapped over
each other, are provided so as to extend rearward, welding works of
the lapped flange portions 72 and 82 can be done easily by a
welding tool inserted from the rear, and the productivity can be
improved. Also, the both ends of the upper wall portions 56a and
58a and the lower wall portions 56b and 58b of respective crossbar
members can be properly welded by a spot-welding tool inserted from
the outside of the crossbar 44.
[0101] Also, the respective flange portions 72 and 82 of the
crossbar members 56 and 58 extend rearward and these flange
portions 72 and 82 are welded each other. Accordingly, even if a
shearing force F.sub.S is applied to the crossbar 44 due to the
above-described bending moment F.sub.M against the roll bars 42 as
illustrated in FIG. 11, the welding face will be located on the
same face as the upper and lower faces of the crossbar 44 to which
such a shearing force is applied. Thus, connecting of the crossbar
members 56 and 58 by welding against the shearing force F.sub.S can
be remained sufficiently firm. As a result, the strength of the
crossbar 44 against the above-described longitudinal bending moment
applied to the roll bars 42 can be increased. Further, such an
increase of the strength of the crossbar 44 can also increase a
connection of the outside parts 42b of the roll bars 42 at the
recess portions 66 and 84 of the respective crossbar members 56 and
58, thereby improving a resistance of the roll bar structure 40
against any forces.
[0102] Next, since the roll bar support portions 80 and the flange
portion 82 of the rear crossbar member 58 are disposed so as to be
away from each other in the vehicle width direction, bending works
of these portions 80 and 82 in opposite directions to each other
with respect to the vertical wall portion 58c can be done smoothly
without any interferences of bending tools. Also, since there are
provided the notch portions 88, which respectively open upwardly
and downwardly, between the roll bar support portions 80 and the
flange portions 82 at the vertical wall portion 58c of the rear
crossbar member 58, the vertical wall portion 58c between the roll
bar support portions 80 and the flange portions 82 can be properly
prevented from deforming improperly under the influence of bending
works of these portions 80 and 82.
[0103] Herein, the notch portions 88 are formed in the R shape to
avoid a stress concentration properly. Also, since these notch
portions 88 opening upwardly and downwardly are located in offset
positions from each other in the vehicle width direction, without
aligning in the vertical direction, a decrease of strength of the
structure due to the stress concentration can be restrained as much
as possible.
[0104] Further, near the notch portions 88 opening upwardly and
downwardly at the vertical wall portion 58c of the rear crossbar
member, there are provided the beads 90 extending in the vehicle
width direction sufficiently longer than the width of the notch
portions 88. Accordingly, the decrease of strength of the structure
due to the stress concentration by the notch portions 88 can be
restrained further effectively.
[0105] Next, the crossbar 44 is connected with the upper connecting
members 46 together with the roll bars 42, and the upper connecting
members 46 are connected with the link brackets 30 fixed to the
side panels 12. Accordingly, the force from the road surface which
the roll bars 42 receive during the vehicle rollover is conveyed
separately to the side panels 12 and the crossbar 44. Also, an
impact load (side impact load) which the side panels 12 receive
from the side during a vehicle side-impact or the like is conveyed
separately to the roll bars 42 and the crossbar 44 as well. As a
result, the resistance of the roll bar structure 40 against the
force from the roll bars 42 and the side impact load can be further
improved. Further, both the roll bars 42 and crossbar 44 bear
properly a force which will let the link brackets 30 fall down
inwardly, which is caused by the weight of the folding top 28
supported by the link brackets 30 or a retractable hard top.
Accordingly, the link brackets 30 can be prevented properly from
falling down inwardly.
[0106] Particularly, since the roll bars 42 and the upper
connecting members 46 are connected via the fastening members 96
and 98 penetrating them, an integral rigidity of these members are
increased, thereby improving their load-conveyance function.
Likewise, since the crossbar 44 is connected with the roll bars 42
and the upper connecting members 46 via the fastening members 96
and 98 penetrating them, an integral rigidity of these members are
increased, thereby improving their load-conveyance function.
[0107] Also, since the plural fastening members 96 and 98 to
connect the roll bars 42, crossbar 44 and upper connecting members
46 are disposed separately in the vertical direction, the
load-conveyance function of these members can be further improved
surely. Particularly, the force letting the link brackets 30 fall
dawn inwardly due to the weight of the folding top or retractable
hard top during the opening and closing of them can be conveyed
separately to the roll bars 42 and the crossbar 44 surely.
[0108] Next, the roll bars 42 and crossbar 44 are connected with
the link brackets 30 fixed to the side panels 12 via the upper
connecting members 46, and the roll bars 42 and the side panels are
connected via the lower connecting members 48. Accordingly, the
side impact load against the side panels 12 can be conveyed
separately to the roll bars 42 and crossbar 44 via these two
connecting members 46 and 48. Also, the lower connecting members 48
are provided below the upper connecting members 46 and above the
cross member 18 as a vehicle-body reinforcement frame. Accordingly,
the side impact load acting on the side panels 12 above the cross
member 18 can be born by the roll bars 42 via the lower connecting
members 48, and then the load convened to the roll bars 42 can be
born by the crossbar 44 as well. As a result, passenger's head,
shoulders and the other can be protected properly during the
vehicle side impact and the like.
[0109] Further, the upper and lower connecting members 46 and 48
are provided at the side panels 12 at the vehicle both sides, and
the crossbar 44 is provided to interconnect the upper connecting
members 46 at the vehicle both sides. Accordingly, the side impact
load applied to the upper and lower connecting members 46 and 48 is
conveyed to the opposite-side roll bars 42 via the crossbar 44
respectively, and also conveyed to the opposite side panels 12 via
the upper and lower connecting members 46 and 48 respectively. As a
result, the input load can be conveyed to opposite sides properly,
and thus the resistance of the roll bar structure 40 against the
side impact load can be improved and the vehicle-body rigidity can
also be improved.
[0110] Particularly, the cross member 18 as the vehicle-body
reinforcement member has the rectangular structure with the closed
section which has the relatively narrow width and the relatively
small area in order to provide the enough disposition space for the
folding-top storing portion 36 and the fuel tank 38. However, since
the side impact load is conveyed separately to the roll bars 42 and
crossbar 44 via the upper and lower connecting members 46 and 48,
the passenger can be further protected properly.
[0111] Also, since the lower ends of the outside parts 42b of the
roll bars 42 are connected with the cross member 18, the side
impact load applied to the cross member 18 is conveyed to the roll
bars 42, and then the force from the roll bars 42 is conveyed to
the crossbar 44. As a result, the resistance of the roll bar
structure 40 against the side impact load can be further
improved.
[0112] Also, since there are provided the bolts 142 to temporarily
place the link brackets 30 at the side panels 12, the lower
connecting members 48 (148) can be fixed to the side panels 12 by
using these bolts 142. As a result, since there is not necessarily
need to provide any additional members to fix the lower connecting
members 48 (148) to the side panels 12, the number of parts can be
reduced properly.
[0113] Next, at the one end portion 48a of each of the lower
connecting members 48 is provided the hole 140 having the specified
diameter to provide the clearance around the bolt 132, and the bolt
132 gets through the hole 140 longitudinally, and the lower
connecting member 48 and the connecting member 120 fixed to the
roll bars 42 are connected with each other. Accordingly, even if
there exists an error in a relative distance between the side
panels 12 and the roll bars 42 in the vehicle width direction due
to attaching errors during an assembly of the roll bars 42 to the
cross member 18, such an error in the relative distance can be
properly absorbed by an existence of the above-described clearance.
Thus, the lower connecting members 48, which extend in the vehicle
width direction to interconnect the side panels 12 and the roll
bars 42, can be properly provided.
[0114] Particularly, even in a case where the attaching errors of
the roll bars 42 to the vehicle body could not absorbed at the
connecting portion of the lower connecting members 48 and the side
panels 12, for example, the lower connecting members 48 need to be
connected with the side panels 12 via the laterally-extending bolts
122, the lower connecting members 48 can be surely provided
absorbing such attaching errors of the roll bars 42 to the vehicle
body.
[0115] Also, part of the nuts 134 of the connecting members 120 are
located in the holes 128 of the roll bars respectively.
Accordingly, when the side impact load is applied to the lower
connecting members 48, the nuts 134 hit respective edges of the
holes 128 of the roll bars 42 and the side impact load can be
properly conveyed to the roll bars 42 via the lower connecting
members 48 thereby. Also, since the lower connecting members 48
have a structure of the closed section, their rigidity increases
and the side impact load can be conveyed to the roll bars 42 surely
thereby. Further, since the connecting members 120 are fixed to the
roll bars 42 over the hole 128, a decrease of an axial-direction
rigidity of the roll bars 42 due to forming of the hole 128 can be
restrained properly by the connecting members 120.
[0116] Herein, the flange portions 126 of the connecting members
120 extend substantially perpendicularly to the axial line of the
roll bars 42b, and only the end portions 126a of the flange
portions 126 are fixed to the roll bars 42b. Accordingly, the
connecting members 120 are fixed to the roll bars 42 having a
relatively low rigidity against the side impact load conveyed from
the lower connecting members 48. However, even if a relatively
large side impact load is applied and then the fixing of the
connecting members 120 to the roll bars 42 is released, the nuts
134 fixed to the connecting members 120 hit the edges of holes 128
of the roll bars 42 surely. As a result, the side impact load from
the lower connecting members 48 can be conveyed to the roll bars 42
properly.
[0117] Next, since the belt anchor attaching members 50 are fixed
to the roll bars 42 and the crossbar 44 so as to be laid across
them, the belt anchor attaching members 50 and the belt anchors 106
provided thereat may not be easy to be displaced forward with
respect to the roll bars 42 and crossbar 44. Further, the roll bars
42 and the crossbar 44 are connected with the side panels 12.
Accordingly, even if a force to pull forward the belt anchors 106,
denoted by an arrow F.sub.F in FIG. 11, is applied from the seat
belts 104, such a force is born by the side panels 12, roll bars 42
and crossbar 44, and the belt anchors 106 can be prevented from
being displaced forward thereby.
[0118] Also, the lower fixing portions 112a of the belt anchor
attaching members 50 are fixed at the front portions 56c of the
crossbar, and the upper fixing portions 112b and 110a of the belt
anchor attaching members 50 are fixed to the roll bars 42b.
Accordingly, even if the bending moment F.sub.M of FIG. 11 is
applied to the roll bars 42 during the vehicle rollover, the
bending moment of the roll bar applied to the upper fixing portions
112b and 110a can be born by the crossbar 44 to which the lower
fixing portions 112a are fixed. Particularly, the lower fixing
portions 112a are fixed to the front portions 56c of the crossbar.
Accordingly, the belt anchor attaching members 50 support the roll
bars 42 in such a manner that they push back the roll bars when the
roll bars are bent forward, while they pull back the roll bars when
the roll bars are bent rearward. As a result, the resistance of the
roll bars 42 against the longitudinal bending moment can be
improved.
[0119] Particularly, since the lower fixing portions 112a of the
belt anchor attaching members 50 are fixed to the roll bars 42 in
addition to the crossbar 44, the bending moment applied to the roll
bars 42 is born by the belt anchor attaching members 50 in
vertically-separate positions. As a result, the resistance of the
roll bars 42 against the longitudinal bending moment can be further
improved. Also, since the lower fixing portions 112a of the belt
anchor attaching members 50 are fixed to the upper connecting
members 46 in front of the roll bars 42 and between the upper
connecting members 46 and the crossbar 44 as well, the resistance
of the roll bars 42 against the longitudinal bending moment can be
further improved.
[0120] The present invention should not limited to the
above-described embodiments, but any other modifications and
improvements may be applied within the scope of a sprit of the
present invention.
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